Heat transfer device

ABSTRACT

Device for heat transfer between a first fluid and one second fluid includes a housing with first housing element, second housing element and heat transfer element. Housing is developed with a first connecting fitting and a second connecting fitting for each fluid. Heat transfer element is disposed in a volume completely enclosed in a housing and is developed for through-conduction of the first fluid. Housing is developed for conduction of the second fluid about the heat transfer element. Connecting fittings for second fluid are either disposed on the first housing element and the connecting fittings for the first fluid are disposed on the second housing element, wherein within the second housing at least one flow path for conducting the first fluid is implemented which extends between a connecting fitting and a collector region or the connecting fittings for the fluids are disposed on the first housing element.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to devices for heat transfer between at least one first fluid and at least one second fluid, in particular for application in a passenger motor vehicle. A device comprises a housing with a first housing element and a second housing element as well as a heat transfer element. The housing is in each instance developed with a first connecting fitting and a second connecting fitting for each fluid. The heat transfer element developed for the through-conduction of the first fluid is disposed in a volume completely enclosed by the housing. The housing for conducting the second fluid is herein implemented about the heat transfer element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heat exchangers of the above described heat transfer class serve primarily for cooling lost or waste or off-gases, in particular of internal combustion engines, into which the fresh air to be supplied to the combustion process is mixed in order to attain, on the one hand, a reduction of the oxygen content. On the other hand, the heat energy of the lost or waste or off-gas is also utilized. A heat exchanger of the class is, for example, also utilized on the suction side of supercharged engines or in connection with fuel cells.

EP 2 014 892 A1 discloses a heat exchanger arrangement with a charge air cooler and a housing. The charge air cooler comprises a heat exchanger core, a header plate, a coolant entry duct and a coolant exit duct. The heat exchanger core is implemented of heat transfer elements for the throughflow of a coolant. The housing has the form of a chamber with a single opening for receiving the heat exchanger core as well as an air entry duct, an air exit duct and a flange. The heat exchanger core is disposed within the chamber of the housing, wherein the header plate is in contact on the flange of the housing and the heat exchanger core is fixed on the flange of the housing. The header plate closes off the aperture of the chamber of the housing.

In EP 0 285 504 a heat exchanger is described that comprises a two-part housing with a receiving element and a cover element. The receiving element comprises connecting fittings for the connections conducting air. The housing encloses a bank of heat exchanger tubes and comprises a passage for the air to be cooled between the connecting fittings of the air. The direction of flow of the air is perpendicular to the direction of the coolant-conducting heat exchanger tubes. The cover element is implemented as a collector as well as with connecting fittings for the coolant.

DE 102009055 715 A1 discloses a suction tube with integrated charge air cooler. The suction tube comprises a housing with a first housing part and a second housing part connected thereto. The charge air flows across an inlet into the housing and out of the housing across an outlet. Except for passages for through-conducting a coolant, the charge air cooler is completely encompassed by the housing. Through the charge air cooler flows the charge air. The charge air cooler is resiliently stayed with respect to the housing.

The charge air coolers or off-gas coolers, known in prior art are highly complex and include a multiplicity of components, for example punched parts, such that in particular the heat exchanger core is often very difficult of fabrication, especially of soldering. The conventional coolers are, furthermore, fixed in terms of disposition of connections, in particular for the coolant, and cannot be varied.

The invention addresses the task of providing a device for the efficient heat transfer between two fluids, in particular between a liquid fluid as the coolant and air. With the most compact heat exchanger possible a maximal thermal capacity at minimal overall size or at minimal installation space requirement is to be transferable. The heat exchanger to be implemented of a minimal number of components is to be simple of assembly or mounting and exhibit broad variability in the disposition of the connections in order to be readily adaptable to the particular application site. The fluids are intended to experience the least possible pressure loss during their flow through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger, furthermore, is to be of minimal weight as well as require minimal production and material costs.

The task is resolved through the subject matters with the characteristics described herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The task is resolved through a first device according to the invention, in particular for application in a passenger car, for the heat transfer between a first fluid and a second fluid. The device comprises a housing with a first housing element and a second housing element as well as a heat transfer element, and a second housing element as well as with a heat transfer element. The housing is implemented with a first connecting fitting and a second connecting fitting for each fluid. The heat transfer element implemented for the through-conduction of the first fluid is disposed in a volume completely enclosed by the enclosed housing. The housing is thereby implemented for conducting the second fluid about the heat transfer element.

According to the concept of the invention, the connecting fittings for the second fluid are disposed on the first housing element and the connecting fittings for the first fluid are disposed on the second housing element. Within the second housing element at least one flow path for the conduction of the first fluid is developed within the second housing element. The at least one flow path extends between a connecting fitting and a collector region.

The task is also resolved through a device according to the invention for the heat transfer between a first fluid and a second fluid, in which the connecting fittings for the fluids, specifically for the first fluid and the second fluid, are disposed on the first housing element.

According to the invention, the housing elements are developed as a unitary element with the connecting fittings. The connecting fittings, consequently, represent in each instance a component of a housing element. The housing elements are advantageously fabricated of a synthetic material, preferably as an injection molded part or of a metal, in particular of an aluminum material.

As the first fluid preferably a coolant, for example water or a mixture of glycol and water, is employed, while as the second fluid air is considered, for example a waste or off-gas of a combustion engine or charge air. In the specific case the heat transfer element can be a coolant-air heat exchanger, in particular a coolant-cooled charge-air cooler.

The term “coolant” herein does not refer to the exclusive heat transfer to the coolant, meaning a “cooling” of the second fluid. The heat transfer is also to be possible from the coolant to the second fluid.

According to a further development of the invention, the at least one flow path developed within the second housing element extends in a plane spanned by the second housing element as well as in a direction of the plane. The second housing element is herein preferably developed as a flat and substantially planar cover element.

The at least one flow path developed within the second housing element advantageously has, between the connecting fitting and the collector region, a flow cross section that is fully closed over the entire periphery.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first housing element is developed in the form of a tub with two longitudinal sides, two end sides connecting the longitudinal sides at the end regions, and a bottom. The first housing element advantageously has a rectangular cross section.

A particular advantage of the invention comprises that the heat transfer element within a volume enclosed by the first housing element is disposed such that it is oriented in a longitudinal direction and extends from the first end side up to the second end side of the first housing element.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heat transfer element is developed of adjacent and spaced-apart tubes and side wall members with passage apertures for receiving the tubes. The form of the passage apertures and the outer form of the tubes correspond to one another. In addition, each tube is disposed such that it is guided with a first end through a passage aperture developed in a first side wall member and with a second end is guided through a passage aperture developed in a second side wall member and is connected solidly and fluid-tight with the side wall member.

The solid connection of the side wall members with the tubes is to be understood as a technically tight, zero-leakage connection such that between the tubes and the particular side wall member no additional sealing parts need to be implemented.

The tubes are advantageously straight-line tubes. The tubes of the heat transfer element can, furthermore, be developed as flat tubes.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the heat transfer element comprises adjacent and spaced-apart plates such that the heat transfer element is developed as a plate heat exchanger.

According to a further development of the invention, on a first longitudinal side of the first housing element a first connecting fitting is developed as an inlet and on a second longitudinal side of the first housing element a second connecting fitting is developed as an outlet for the second fluid. Alternatively, on a first end side of the first housing element a first connecting fitting can be provided as an inlet and on a second end side of the first housing element a second connecting fitting can be provided as an outlet for the second fluid.

According to a first alternative embodiment of the invention, on a first end side of the first housing element a first connecting fitting is developed as an inlet and on a second end side of the first housing element a second connecting fitting is developed as an outlet for the first fluid.

According to a second alternative embodiment of the invention, on a first end side of the first housing element a first connecting fitting is provided as an inlet as well as also a second connecting fitting as an outlet for the first fluid.

According to a further development of the invention, the side wall members are each developed in the form of a rectangular sheet of a metal, in particular of an aluminum material. As sheet is herein understood a flat finished rolling mill product. It is, in addition, advantageous to develop the tubes of the heat transfer element also of a metal, in particular of an aluminum material such that the side wall members are connected by soldering in each instance permanently and fluid-tight with the tubes. The side wall members are preferably disposed such that they are oriented perpendicularly to the tubes.

The side wall members advantageously have trapezoidal areas tapering toward the bottom of the first housing element.

At an encompassing edge the side wall members comprise a sealing part developed peripherally for sealing the side wall member against the housing.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first side wall member of the heat transfer element is disposed in the proximity of the first end side of the first housing element and the second side wall member of the heat transfer element is disposed in the proximity of the second end side of the first housing element. Between the first side wall member and the housing as well as between the second side wall member and the housing in each instance a volume for a first collector region and a second collector region for the first fluid is developed. The open first ends of the tubes open out into the first collector region and the open second ends of the tubes open out into the second collector region.

The first collector region is advantageously developed between a first end side of the first housing element and the first side wall member of the heat transfer element, while the second collector region is developed between a second end side of the first housing element and the second side wall member of the heat transfer element.

According to a further development of the invention, at least within one volume enclosed as collector region at least one guide part is disposed for the purpose of subdividing the volume as well as for the specific conduction of the first fluid. The guide part is herein integrated into the housing element or disposed on the housing element. The collector region provided with a guide part can serve as a diversion region or be developed with inlet and outlet, spaced apart from one another, for the first fluid as well as be developed for a multi-row flow-through of the heat transfer element. A guide part prevents for example a short-circuit flow of the fluid between the inlet and the outlet of the fluid.

The at least one guide part is advantageously disposed between the side wall member of the heat transfer element and an inner surface of an end side of the first housing element or of the second housing element, respectively.

The flow through the heat transfer element is advantageously a single-row or multi-row, in particular two-row, flow and the heat transfer element is scalable in its dimensions, such as length, width and/or height.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises that in interspaces of adjacently disposed flat tubes, members are disposed for varying the flow cross section and/or for enlarging the area for heat transfer, wherein the members are developed of a synthetic material or of a metal, in particular of an aluminum material.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing includes recesses for receiving the side wall members of the heat transfer element. The recesses are advantageously implemented in the first housing element as well as also in the second housing element.

The side wall members are preferably developed with a sealing part peripherally encompassing the side wall members at their peripheral edge, each of which sealing part being disposed in a recess of the housing.

The task is moreover resolved through a second device according to the invention for the heat transfer between a first fluid and a second fluid, in particular for application in a passenger car. The device comprises a housing with volumes for through-conducting the first and the second fluid, at least two side wall members as well as a multiplicity of tubes. The side wall members divide the volumes of the housing into first volumes and a second volume. The tubes extend between the first volumes and form flow paths for conducting the first fluid.

According to the concept of the invention, a multiplicity of passage apertures, in particular for receiving tubes, is provided in the trapezoidal side wall members.

The housing advantageously comprises a first housing element and a second housing element.

According to a further development of the invention, the housing is developed, for one, with a first connecting fitting and a second connecting fitting, which are connected with a volume for the first fluid. The housing, for another, comprises a first connecting fitting and a second connecting fitting which are connected with a volume for the second fluid.

A special advantage of the invention comprises that the connecting fittings for the second fluid are disposed on the first housing element and the connecting fittings for the first fluid are disposed on the second housing element.

The housing is preferably developed with recesses for receiving the side wall members.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, within the second housing element at least one flow path for the conduction of the first fluid is developed.

A further advantage of the invention comprises that the housing elements are each developed with a support surface for placing the housing elements next to one another. The support surface of the first housing element preferably comprises a peripheral groove for receiving a sealing part. The sealing part is disposed between the adjacently disposed housing elements.

The heat transfer element, advantageously operable in pure cross flow or pure counterflow or in a combination of cross flow and counterflow, can, according to an embodiment of the invention, be integrated in a coolant circulation.

In summary, the devices according to the invention for heat transfer, in particular a coolant-cooled charge air cooler, comprise diverse advantages:

-   -   efficient heat transfer between two fluids, in particular         between a liquid fluid as coolant and air,     -   transfer of maximal thermal capacity at minimal manufactured         size or minimal installation space requirement, which means at         optimal ratio of transferable thermal capacity to physical         volume, wherein the reutilization or continued utilization of         known components is feasible,     -   high compactness of design and high impermeability between the         fluid flows,     -   minimal number of components,     -   minimal costs of production and minimal material expenditures         also due to use of standard flat tube profiles,     -   high corrosion resistance, in particular when using a housing         developed of a synthetic material,     -   minimal weight and     -   wide variability in the disposition of the fittings integrated         on the housing, in particular of those of the first fluid,     -   simple assembly and/or mounting of the device and simple         connection of individual components of the heat transfer element         by soldering within a soldering furnace in one process step if         the components and parts are implemented of a metal, in         particular of an aluminum material.

Further details, characteristics and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be evident based on the following description of embodiment examples with reference to the associated drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A to 1E: a first embodiment of the device with a two-part housing of a first housing element and a second housing element with connecting fittings for the first fluid as well as a heat transfer element in different views,

FIGS. 1F and 1G: the first housing element and the second housing element in perspective view,

FIG. 1H: the heat transfer element in combination with the second housing element in perspective view,

FIG. 2: the heat transfer element in perspective view,

FIG. 3A to 3C: a second embodiment of the device with a two-part housing of a first housing element with connecting fittings for the first fluid and a second housing element as well as the heat transfer element in different views,

FIG. 4A to 4D: a third embodiment of the device with a two-part housing of a first housing element with connecting fittings for the first fluid and a second housing element as well as a heat transfer element in different views, and

FIG. 5: a fourth embodiment of the device with a two-part housing with a first housing element and a second housing element with connecting fittings for the first fluid as well as a heat transfer element in sectional representation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A to 1F depict each a first embodiment of the device 1 a with a two-part housing with a first housing element 2 a and a second housing element 3 a with connecting fittings 5 a, 6 a for the first fluid as well as with a heat transfer element 11 a in different views.

In FIG. 1A is shown the device 1 a in a closed state. The not depicted heat transfer element is disposed within the tub-shaped first housing element 2 a and within the closed housing. The second housing element 3 a, developed as a cover element, in particular developed with a flange on the first housing element 2 a, corresponding with the first housing element 2 a comprises a first connecting fitting 5 a as an inlet and a second connecting fitting 6 a as an outlet for the first fluid. The second housing element 3 a having substantially the form of a flat plate, is oriented with a first side toward the first housing element 2 a. The connecting fittings 5 a, 6 a are implemented on a second side oriented away from the first housing element 2 a. The first fluid, in particular a coolant, for example a water-glycol mixture, is introduced in the direction of flow 7 through the first connecting fitting 5 a into the device 1 a and flows out of the device 1 a again through the second connecting fitting 6 a. The connecting fittings 5 a, 6 a can be positioned at any site on the upper side of the second housing element 3 a.

The first housing element 2 a comprises a first connecting fitting 8 a as an inlet and a second connecting fitting 9 a as an outlet for the second fluid. The connecting fittings 8 a, 9 a are each developed on a longitudinal side of the first housing element 2 a, which, together with the two longitudinal sides and two end sides connecting the two longitudinal sides at the ends, has a substantially rectangular cross section. The second fluid, in particular air, for example a charge air flow or a waste/exhaust flow, is introduced in the direction of flow 10 through the first connecting fitting 8 a into the device 1 a and flows through the second connecting fitting 9 a out of the device 1 a again.

The housing elements 2 a, 3 a are developed with the respective connecting fittings 5 a, 6 a, 8 a, 9 a as a unitary element. The housing elements 2 a, 3 a can advantageously be implemented of a synthetic material as an injection molded part with integrated connecting fittings 5 a, 6 a, 8 a, 9 a. Because of the unitary implementation of the housing elements 2 a, 3 a and the connecting fittings 5 a, 6 a, 8 a, 9 a, utilization of additional sealing parts that increase the risk of leakages and lead to additional costs in the production and maintenance of the device 1 a is avoided.

The pipes, for example coolant pipes of a coolant circulation, for conducting the first fluid can herein be connected to the device 1 a, or the direction of flow 7 of the first fluid can be oriented, such that the inlet 5 a and the outlet 6 a for the first fluid are each supplied in the reverse direction of flow 7 and the inlet 5 a as well as the outlet 6 a are interchanged. The pipes for conducting the second fluid, for example air pipes, can be connected to the device 1 a, or the direction of flow 10 of the second fluid can be oriented such that the inlet 8 a and the outlet 9 a for the second fluid are each supplied in the reverse flow direction 10 and the inlet 8 a as well as the outlet 9 a are interchanged.

The housing elements 2 a, 3 a, preferably implemented of a synthetic material and in contact on one another on a support surface 4 such that they are impermeable to fluids, can, for example, be connected with one another by welding or adhesion under material closure, under force closure by bolting or under form closure by serial snap-fastening. Between the housing elements 2 a, 3 a at least one not depicted sealing part can be disposed.

In FIG. 1B is shown the device 1 a in a sectional representation through a central plane, oriented horizontally, of the first housing element 2 a with a heat transfer element 11 a, while the device 1 a is depicted in FIG. 1C in an opened state and thus without the second housing element 3 a.

The heat transfer element 11 a is oriented so as to extend with a multiplicity of flat tubes 16 in a longitudinal direction from a first end side 12 a to a second end side 13 a of the first housing element 2 a. A first side wall member 14 of the heat transfer element 11 a is disposed in the proximity of the first end side 12 a of the first housing element 2 a and a second side wall member 15 of the heat transfer element 11 a is disposed in the proximity of the second end side 13 a of the first housing element 2 a.

First ends of the flat tubes 16 are guided through passage apertures developed in the first side wall member 14 and second ends of the flat tubes 16 are guided through passage apertures developed in the second side wall member 15. The flat tubes 16 are each permanently connected with the side wall members 14, 15. With the implementation of the side wall members 14, 15 and the flat tubes 16 of aluminum, the components are soldered to one another. The side wall members 14, 15 and the outer sides of the flat tubes 16 are connected with one another under fluidic impermeability.

The second fluid, introduced in the direction of flow 10 through the inlet 8 a into the device 1 a is conducted in the region between the side wall members 14, 15 through the interspaces developed between tubes 16 disposed proximate to one another as well as between the flat tubes 16 and the inner side of the housing, and therewith across the outer sides of the flat tubes 16 and flows through the outlet 9 a out of the device 1 a. The second fluid flows about the flat tubes 16.

The first fluid, introduced in the direction of flow 7 through the inlet 5 a into the device 1 a, is routed into a first collector region 17. In the collector region 17 the mass flow of the first fluid is distributed for its throughflow through the flat tubes 16 as mass subflows to flow through the flat tubes 16. The mass subflows of the first fluid flow out of the flat tubes 16 into a second collector region 18 and are mixed with one another such that the first fluid flows out of the device 1 a through the outlet 6 a. The first fluid is conducted through the flat tubes.

The first fluid is consequently routed through the device 1 a substantially in cross flow with the second fluid. The device 1 a is advantageously operated as a cross-counterflow heat exchanger.

The collector regions 17, 18 for the first fluid are each implemented in the proximity of the end sides 12 a, 13 a of the first housing element 2 a, between the end sides 12 a, 13 a as wall of the housing and the side wall members 14, 15 of the heat transfer element 11 a. The side wall members 14, 15 delimit the collector regions 17, 18 toward the interior of the volume enclosed by the housing.

The side wall members 14, 15 of the heat transfer element 11 a are herein each disposed in the recesses 19 of the housing. Within the recesses 19 are disposed sealing parts 20 between the wall of the housing and the side edges of the side wall members 14, 15, encompassing the side wall members 14, 15 over the entire periphery, such that the first fluid flowing into the collector region 17, 18 and the second fluid flowing through between the side wall members 14, 15 are separated from one another. The recesses 19 and the side edges of the side wall members 14, 15 with the sealing parts 20 correspond to one another.

The not depicted second housing element 3 a, to be placed onto the support surface 4 of the first housing element 2 a, is also developed with recesses for receiving the side wall members 14, 15 with the sealing parts 20. The support surface 4 of the first housing element 2 a comprises, in addition, a peripheral groove with a further sealing part 21. When placing the second housing element 3 a onto the first housing element 2 a, 3 a, for one, the housing elements are sealed fluid-tight with respect to one another and, for another, the side wall members 14, 15 with the sealing parts 20 are sealed fluid-tight with respect to the second housing element 3 a.

FIG. 1D shows the device 1 a in sectional representation through a central, vertically oriented plane with the heat transfer element 11 a. The second fluid flows orthogonally to the flat tubes 16 through the interspaces developed between the flat tubes 16 and through the outlet 9 a out of the housing, in particular out of the first housing element 2 a. The first fluid is introduced through the inlet 5 a into the second housing element 3 a and flows through the flow paths 23, developed in housing element 3 a, to the first, not depicted, collector region 17. The flow paths 23 extend from the inlet 5 a up to the first collector region 17 and are each developed with flow cross sections that are closed over the full periphery.

In the region of the support surface 4 the second housing element 3 a and the first housing element 2 a are in contact on one another. Between the housing elements 2 a, 3 a the sealing part 21 is disposed. The housing elements 2 a, 3 a which, in the assembled state, fully enclose a volume, and the side wall members 14, 15 can be simply plugged together and connected with one another.

FIG. 1E shows a detail view of the second collector region 18, of the second side wall member 15 and of a flow path 23 developed within the second housing element 3 a.

Side wall members 14, 15 are each developed in the form of a substantially rectangular metal sheet, in particular of aluminum, and can be produced by punching. The side wall members 14, 15, rounded in the proximity of the corners, comprise passage apertures 22 for receiving the flat tubes 16 of the heat transfer element 11 a. The cross sections of the passage apertures 22 correspond to the outer dimensions of the flat tubes 16 in order to establish, for example by soldering, the fluid-tight connection between the individual flat tubes 16 and the side wall members 14, 15. Each of the flat tubes 16 opens out into the collector region 17, 18.

The flow paths 23 developed within the second housing element 3 a are disposed such that they connect a collector region 17, 18 with a connecting fitting 5 a, 6 a.

FIGS. 1F and 1G depict the first housing element 2 a and, respectively, the second housing element 3 a with the support surfaces 4, each in perspective view. Herein are shown especially clearly the corresponding recesses 19 for receiving the side wall members 14, 15 of the heat transfer element 11 a.

FIG. 1H depicts the heat transfer element 11 a in combination with the second housing element 3 a and FIG. 2 depicts the heat transfer element 11 a, each in perspective view.

The heat transfer element 11 a developed from the flat tubes 16 as extruded flat tube heat exchanger is developed as a single-row or multi-row heat exchanger depending on the capacity requirements and is scalable in terms of size, that is in particular in length or width. The heat transfer element 11 a depicted in FIGS. 1h and 2 is developed in two rows.

The flat tubes 16 oriented in two parallel rows next to one another and in parallel with each other, are disposed within each row with their broad sides toward one another, such that between directly adjacent flat tubes 16 in each instance a flow path for the second fluid, in particular for air, is generated. The flow path extends herein between flat tubes 16 of the first row and subsequently between flat tubes 16 of the second row. The flat tubes 16 of the first and the second row are flush with one another and extend in each instance between the two side wall members 14, 15 or between the two collector regions 17, 18. The inner volumes of the flat tubes 16 are connected with the inner volumes of the collector regions 17, 18 as well as with the flow paths 23 of the second housing element 3 a.

In the flow paths, and therewith in the interspaces of adjacently disposed flat tubes 16, furthermore, not depicted members can be disposed for varying the flow cross section and/or the enlargement of the surface for heat transfer. As members for varying the flow cross section and/or the enlargement of the surface for heat transfer are applicable fins for conditioning air. Alternatively, webs could also be employed. The members are developed, for example, of a material with good thermal conductivity such as aluminum, or of a synthetic material or another material with low density.

The side wall members 14, 15 are herein soldered to the flat tubes 16. They can however also be adhered or welded to one another. The permanent connection is to be viewed as a technically tight, zero-leakage connection such that between the side wall members 14, 15 and the flat tubes 16 no sealing sites need to be implemented. The side wall members 14, 15 are disposed on the narrow sides of the flat tubes 13 and are oriented perpendicularly to the flat tubes 16 and, to facilitate the emplacement and sealing of the heat transfer element 11 a into the housing elements 2 a, 3 a, have trapezoidal side faces. The trapezoidal side faces taper toward the bottom of the first housing element 2 a.

The side wall members 14, 15 are each provided with the encompassing sealing part 20 and, according to FIG. 1h , are connected with the broader side face within the recess 19 with the second housing element 3 a.

The heat transfer element 11 a is developed so as to be symmetric with the side wall members 14, 15 and the flat tubes 16.

In each of FIG. 3A to 3C is shown in different views a second embodiment of the device 1 b with a two-part housing comprised of a first housing element 2 b and a second housing element 3 b with connecting fittings 5 b, 6 b for the first fluid as well as with a heat transfer element 11 a.

The differences between them and the first embodiment of device 1 a according to FIG. 1a to 1h lie in the implementation of the first housing elements 2 a, 2 b and the second housing elements 3 a, 3 b, in particular in the implementation of the connecting fittings 5 a, 5 b, 6 a, 6 b of the first fluid. In the case of same implementation of the characteristics, reference is made to explanations in connection with the device from FIG. 1a to 1 h.

In FIG. 3A is evident the device 1 b in a closed state, wherein the not depicted heat transfer element is disposed within the housing of the tub-shaped first housing element 2 b and within the closed housing.

In FIG. 3B is shown the device 1 b in a sectional representation through a central, horizontally oriented plane of the first housing element 2 b with the heat transfer element 11 a, while the device 1 b in FIG. 3C is depicted in an opened state and thus without the second housing element 3 b.

The heat transfer elements of the devices 1 a, 1 b are identical. The second housing element 3 b, developed as a cover element, corresponding with the first housing element 2 b, in particular with a flange implemented on the first housing element 2 b, is substantially developed as a planar plate without connecting fittings and flow paths for the first fluid, however with recesses 19 for receiving the side wall members 14, 15 of the heat transfer element 11 a.

In addition to the first connecting fitting 8 a as an inlet and the second connecting fitting 9 a as an outlet for the second fluid, which are developed on a longitudinal side of the first housing element 2 b, the first housing element 2 b comprises also a first connecting fitting 5 b as an inlet and a second connecting fitting 6 b as an outlet for the first fluid. The first connecting fitting 5 b and the second connecting fitting 6 b for the first fluid are each developed on an end side 12 b, 13 b. The first fluid is introduced in the direction of flow 7 through the first connecting fitting 5 b into the device 1 b and flows through the second connecting fitting 6 b out of the device 1 b again.

The connecting fittings 5 b, 6 b disposed on an end side 12 b, 13 b are herein connected directly with a collector region 17, 18, which is especially evident in FIGS. 3b and 3c . The first housing element 2 b is developed with the connecting fittings 5 b, 6 b, 8 a, 9 a as a unitary element, advantageously of a synthetic material as an injection molded part.

The first fluid, introduced in the direction of flow 7 through inlet 5 b directly into the first collector region 17, for its throughflow through the flat tubes 16 is distributed in mass subflows through the flat tubes 16. The mass subflows of the first fluid flow out of the flat tubes 16 into the second collector region 18 and are mixed with one another and led off directly through the outlet 6 b out of device 1 b.

In FIG. 4A to 4D is shown in each instance a third embodiment of the device 1 c with a two-part housing comprised of a first housing element 2 c and a second housing element 3 c with connecting fittings 5 c, 6 c for the first fluid as well as of a heat transfer element 11 c in different views.

The differences between this embodiment and the second embodiment of device 1 b according to FIGS. 3a to 3c lie in the implementation of the first housing elements 2 b, 2 c, in particular in the implementation of the connecting fittings 5 b, 5 c, 6 b, 6 c of the first fluid. In the case of same implementation of the characteristics, reference is made to the explanations in connection with device 1 b of FIGS. 3a to 3 c.

FIG. 4A depicts the device 1 c in a closed state, wherein the not depicted heat transfer element is disposed within the tub-shaped first housing element 2 c and within the housing. In FIG. 4B the device 1 c is shown in a sectional representation through a central, horizontally oriented plane of the first housing element 2 c with the heat transfer element 11 c, while the device 1 c in FIG. 4C is shown in an opened state and thus without the second housing element 3 c. In FIG. 4D is evident a sectional representation of the device 1 c.

In addition to the first connecting fitting 8 a as an inlet and the second connecting fitting 9 a as an outlet for the second fluid, which are in each instance developed on a longitudinal side of the first housing element 2 c, the first housing element 2 c comprises also a first connecting fitting 5 c as an inlet and a second connecting fitting 6 c as an outlet for the first fluid. The first connecting fitting 5 c and the second connecting fitting 6 c for the first fluid are developed on the first end side 12 c. The second end side 13 c does not comprise any connecting fitting. The first fluid is introduced in the direction of flow 7 through the first connecting fitting 5 c into the device 1 c and flows through the second connecting fitting 6 c out of the device 1 c again.

The connecting fittings 5 c, 6 c disposed on the first end side 12 c are directly connected with the first collector region 17, which is especially clearly shown in FIGS. 4b and 4c . The first housing element 2 c is developed with the connecting fittings 5 c, 6 c, 8 a, 9 a as a unitary element advantageously of a synthetic material as an injection molded part.

Within the collector regions 17, 18, guide parts 24 are implemented which divide the volumes of the collector regions 17, 18. Within the first collector region 17 two guide parts 24 are disposed, while within the second collector region 18 one guide part 24 is provided. The guide part 24 disposed within the second collector region 18 divides the volume of collector region 18 into two regions of equal volume. The guide parts 24 disposed within the first collector region 17 divide the volume of collector region 17 into two regions of equal smaller volumes and one region with a larger volume. The smaller volumes together correspond herein approximately to the volume of the larger region.

The guide parts 24 developed between the side wall members 14, 15 of the heat transfer element 11 c and the inner faces of the end sides 12 c, 13 c of the first housing element 2 c serve for the specific conduction of the first fluid through the flat tubes 16 of the heat transfer element 11 c.

The heat transfer element 11 c developed from the flat tubes 16 as extruded flat tube heat exchanger is implemented as a four-row element. The flat tubes, disposed in parallel rows next to one another and oriented parallel to one another, are disposed within each row with their broad sides toward one another such that between directly adjacent flat tubes 16 in each instance a flow path for the second fluid, in particular for air, is generated. The flow path extends herein in each instance between flat tubes 16 of the first row, subsequently between flat tubes 16 of the second row, of the third row and finally of the fourth row. The flat tubes 16 of the individual rows are flush with one another and extend in each instance between the two side wall members 14, 15 or the two collector regions 17, 18. The inner volumes of the flat tubes 16 are connected with the inner volumes of the collector regions 17, 18.

The first fluid flows through the inlet 5 c in the direction of flow 7 into the device 1 c and is distributed in the first collector region 17, in particular in one of the smaller volumes, over the flat tubes 16 of the first row. The refrigerant subsequently flows through the flat tubes 16 to the second collector region 18 and into a first part of the divided volume of the second collector region 18, is collected and distributed over the flat tubes 16 of the second row. The first fluid flows subsequently through the flat tubes 16 of the second row back to the first collector region 17, in particular into the larger volume, is collected and distributed over the flat tubes 16 of the third row. The refrigerant subsequently flows through the flat tubes 16 again to the second collector region 18 and into a second part of the divided volume of the second collector region 18, is collected and distributed over the flat tubes 16 of the fourth row. The first fluid flows subsequently through the flat tubes 16 of the fourth row back to the first collector region 17 and into a third part of the divided volume of the first collector region 17, in particular into one of the smaller volumes, is collected and flows through outlet 6 c out of the device 1 c.

In FIG. 5 is shown in a sectional representation a fourth embodiment of the device 1 d with a two-part housing comprised of a first housing element 2 d and a second housing element 3 d with connecting fittings 5 d, 6 d for the first fluid as well as a heat transfer element 11 d.

The differences between this fourth embodiment and the embodiment of the device 1 a according to FIGS. 1a to 1h lie in the implementation of the first housing elements 2 a, 2 d and the second housing elements 3 a, 3 d with the implementation of the connecting fittings 5 a, 5 d, 6 a, 6 d of the first fluid as well as the connecting fittings 8 a, 8 d, 9 a, 9 d of the second fluid. In the case of same implementation of the characteristics, reference is made to the explanations in connection with the device 1 a of FIG. 1a to 1 h.

The first housing element 2 d is divided in a center plane and is joined at the center plane during the assembly of the device 1 d after the heat transfer element 11 d has been emplaced. The second housing element 3 d, corresponding as a cover element to the first housing element 2 d, in particular with a flange developed on the first housing element 2 d, comprises the first connecting fitting 5 d as an inlet and the second connecting fitting 6 d as an outlet for the first fluid. The second housing element 3 d having substantially the form of a flat plate is oriented with a first side toward the first housing element 2 d. The connecting fittings 5 d, 6 d are developed on a second side facing away from the first housing element 2 d. The first fluid is introduced in the direction of flow 7 through the first connecting fitting 5 d into the device 1 d and flows through the first connecting fitting 5 d into the device 1 d and out of device 1 d again through the second connecting fitting 6 d.

The first housing element 2 d comprises the first connecting fitting 8 d as an inlet and the second connecting fitting 9 d as an outlet for the second fluid. The connecting fittings 8 d, 9 d are each developed on an end side of the first housing element 2 d, which, with two longitudinal sides and the two end sides connecting the two longitudinal sides at the ends, has substantially a rectangular cross section. The second fluid is introduced in the direction of flow 10 through the first connecting fitting 8 d into the device 1 d and flows through the second connecting fitting 9 d again out of the device 1 d.

The housing elements 2 d, 3 d are implemented with the particular connecting fittings 5 d, 6 d, 8 d, 9 d in each instance as a unitary element, advantageously of synthetic material as an injection molded part with integrated connecting fittings 5 d, 6 d, 8 d, 9 d.

The housing elements 2 d, 3 d fluidically impermeable in contact on one another on the support surface 4 are connected with one another under form closure, for example by peripheral snap-fixing. Between the housing elements 2 d, 3 d at least one not depicted sealing part can be disposed.

The heat transfer element 11 d, developed as a plate heat exchanger, extends with a multiplicity of plate members in a longitudinal direction from the first end side 12 d up to the second end side 13 d of the first housing element 2 d. The inner volumes of the plate members are connected across a first collector region 17 and a second collector region 18 with the connecting fittings 5 d, 6 d of the first fluid such that the first fluid is routed through the connecting fittings 5 d, 6 d, the collector regions 17, 18 and the plate members.

The second fluid is routed through the interspaces developed between adjacently disposed plate members as well as between the plate members and the inner side of the housing and thus across the outer sides of the plate members. The second fluid flows about the plate members.

Alternatively, the interspaces developed between the plate members disposed on the outer side and the inner side of the housing can be foamed to avoid leakages, in particular leakages of the air. The foaming of the interspaces serves for eliminating soldering tolerances.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d Device -   2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d First housing element -   3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d Second housing element -   4 Support surface, housing elements -   5 a, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d First connecting fittings, inlet first fluid -   6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 6 d Second connecting fittings, outlet first fluid -   7 Direction of flow, first fluid -   8 a, 8 d First connecting fittings, inlet second fluid -   9 a, 9 d Second connecting fittings, outlet second fluid -   10 Direction of flow, second fluid -   11 a, 11 c, 11 d Heat transfer element -   12 a, 12 b, 12 c, 12 d First end side, housing -   13 a, 13 b, 13 c, 13 d Second end side, housing -   14 First side wall member, heat transfer element -   15 Second side wall member, heat transfer element -   16 Flat tube -   17 First collector region, first fluid -   18 Second collector region, first fluid -   19 Recess, housing -   20 Sealing part, side wall member 14, 15, housing element -   21 Sealing part, housing elements 2, 3 -   22 Passage aperture, side wall member 14, 15 -   23 Flow path, first fluid -   24 Guide part 

1. A device for heat transfer between at least one first fluid and one second fluid, comprising a housing with a first housing element and a second housing element, wherein the housing is implemented with one first connecting fitting and a second connecting fitting for each fluid, a heat transfer element, which is developed for the through-conduction of the first fluid and is disposed in a volume completely enclosed by the housing, wherein the housing is implemented for conducting the second fluid about the heat transfer element, wherein the connecting fittings for the second fluid are disposed on the first housing element and the connecting fittings for the first fluid are disposed on the second housing element and that within the second housing element at least one flow path for conducting the first fluid is implemented, wherein the at least one flow path extends between a connecting fitting and a collector region, or the connecting fittings for the fluids are disposed on the first housing element, wherein the housing elements with the connecting fittings are in each instance developed as a unitary element.
 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one flow path developed within the second housing element is developed such that it extends in a plane spanned by the second housing element as well as in a direction of the plane.
 3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one flow path developed within the second housing element has between the connecting fitting and the collector region has a fully closed flow cross section over the entire periphery.
 4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the first housing element is developed in the form of a tub with two longitudinal sides, two end sides, connecting the longitudinal sides at the end regions, and a bottom.
 5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the heat transfer element within a volume enclosed by the first housing element is disposed in an orientation such as to extend in a longitudinal direction from the first end side to the second end side of the first housing element.
 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer element is developed of adjacently disposed and spaced-apart tubes and side wall members with passage apertures for receiving the tubes, wherein the form of the passage apertures and the outer form of the tubes correspond to one another and each tube is disposed with a first end guided through a passage opening developed in a first side wall member and with a second end guided through a passage aperture developed in a second side wall member as well as permanently and fluidically tight connected with the side wall member.
 7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the tubes of the heat transfer element are developed as flat tubes.
 8. A device according to claim 4, wherein at a first longitudinal side of the first housing element a first connecting fitting and at a second longitudinal side of the first housing element a second connecting fitting for the second fluid are developed.
 9. A device according to claim 4, wherein at a first end side of the first housing element a first connecting fitting and at a second end side of the first housing element a second connecting fitting for the first fluid are developed.
 10. A device according to claim 4, wherein at a first end side of the first housing element a first connecting fitting and a second connecting fitting for the first fluid are implemented.
 11. A device according to claim 6, wherein the side wall members are each developed in the form of a rectangular sheet of a metal, in particular of an aluminum metal.
 12. A device according to claim 11, wherein the side wall members have trapezoidal areas which are developed tapering toward a bottom of the first housing element.
 13. A device according to claim 6, wherein the side wall member at an encompassing edge comprises an encompassing sealing part for sealing the side wall member against the housing.
 14. A device according to claim 6, wherein the tubes of the heat transfer element are developed of a metal, in particular of an aluminum metal, and the side wall members are each permanently and fluidically tight connected with the tubes.
 15. A device according to claim 6, wherein a first side wall member of the heat transfer element is disposed in the proximity of the first end side of the first housing element and a second side wall member of the heat transfer element is disposed in the proximity of the second end side of the first housing element, wherein between the first side wall member and the housing as well as between the second side wall member and the housing in each instance a volume for a first collector region and a second collector region for the first fluid is developed and open first ends of the tubes open out into the first collector region and open second ends of the tubes open out into the second collector region.
 16. A device according to claim 6, wherein between a first end side of the first housing element and a first side wall member of the heat transfer element a first collector region as well as between a second end side of the first housing element and a second side wall member of the heat transfer element a second collector region is developed.
 17. A device according to claim 15, wherein within the at least one volume enclosed as a collector region at least one guide part for subdividing the volume as well as for the specific conduction of the first fluid is disposed.
 18. A device according to claim 17, wherein the at least one guide part is disposed between the side wall member of the heat transfer element and an inner surface of an end side of the first housing element.
 19. A device according to claim 6, wherein the housing is developed with recesses for receiving the side wall members of the heat transfer element.
 20. A device according to claim 19, wherein the recesses are developed in the first housing element and in the second housing element.
 21. A device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the side wall members are each disposed with a sealing part, developed encompassing the encompassing edge, in a recess of the housing.
 22. A device according to claim 1, wherein the housing elements are each developed with a support surface for the adjacent placement of the housing elements, wherein the support surface of the first housing element comprises an encompassing groove for receiving a sealing part and the sealing part is disposed between the adjacently disposed housing elements.
 23. A device for the heat transfer between a first fluid and a second fluid, comprising: a housing with volumes for the through-conduction of the first and of the second fluid, a multiplicity of side wall members which divide the volumes of the housing into a first volume and a second volume, as well as a multiplicity of tubes which extend between the first volumes and develop flow paths for the conduction of the first fluid, wherein in the trapezoidally developed side wall members a multiplicity of passage apertures are developed.
 24. A device according to claim 23, wherein the housing comprises a first housing element and a second housing element.
 25. A device according to claim 24, characterized in that the housing is developed with one first connecting fitting and a second connecting fitting which are connected with a volume for the first fluid, and the housing is developed with a first connecting fitting and a second connecting fitting which are connected with a volume for the second fluid.
 26. A device according to claim 25, wherein the connecting fittings for the second fluid are disposed on the first housing element and the connecting fittings for the first fluid are disposed on the second housing element.
 27. A device according to claim 23, wherein the housing is developed with recesses for receiving the side wall members.
 28. A device according to claim 26, wherein within the second housing element at least one flow path is developed for conducting the first fluid. 